Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, known as Fuji-san in Japanese, is Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain, rising to 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). Located on Honshu Island, roughly 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, it has a nearly symmetrical, cone-shaped profile, making it an instantly recognizable symbol of Japan. Fuji is both a cultural and religious site, often depicted in Japanese art and literature, and is one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku.

Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano, though it hasn’t erupted since 1707. During that eruption, known as the “Hoei Eruption,” ash reached as far as Edo (now Tokyo), over 100 kilometers away. Despite its volcanic activity, it remains a popular destination for climbers and tourists, particularly from July to early September when the weather and trail conditions are safest for summiting.

The mountain has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013, recognized both for its natural beauty and cultural significance. The ascent to the summit is a traditional pilgrimage, and many visitors stop at shrines and torii gates along the trails, honoring the mountain’s spiritual legacy in Shinto and Buddhist practices.